Review: My Life: Growing Up Native in America edited by IllumiNative

My Life: Growing Up Native in America by IllumiNative

My Life: Growing Up Native in America
IllumiNative
MTV Books
Published October 1, 2024

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About My Life: Growing Up Native in America

A moving collection of twenty powerful essays, poems, and more that capture and celebrate the modern Native American experience, featuring entries by Angeline Boulley, Madison Hammond, Kara Roselle Smith, and many more.

With heart, pathos, humor, and insight, 20 renowned writers, performers, athletes, and activists explore what it means to be Native American today. Through a series of essays and poems, these luminaries give voice to their individual experiences while shedding … Continue reading

Review: The Unfinished by Cheryl Isaacs

The Unfinished by Cheryl Isaacs

The Unfinished(The Unfinished #1)
Cheryl Isaacs
Heartdrum
Published October 15, 2024

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About The Unfinished

In this debut YA horror novel by Cheryl Isaacs (Mohawk), small-town athlete Avery is haunted by the black water and Unfinished beings of Kanyen’kehá:ka stories and must turn to the culture she hasn’t felt connected to in order to save her town.

The black water has been waiting. Watching. Hungry for the souls it needs to survive.

When small-town athlete Avery’s morning run leads her to a strange pond in the middle of the forest, she awakens a horror the townspeople of Crook’s Falls … Continue reading

Review: The Others by Cheryl Isaacs

The Others by Cheryl Isaacs

The Others (The Unfinished #2)
Cheryl Isaacs
Heartdrum
Published September 16, 2025

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About The Others

In this haunting sequel to her deliciously scary debut, Cheryl Isaacs (Mohawk) explores the sharp edges of lingering trauma and the bonds of love that heal us.

Only weeks ago, Avery pulled her best friend, Key, from the deadly black water. The cycle from her family’s Kanyen’kehá:ka (Mohawk) stories is finally broken, the black water is now a harmless lake, and her problems are far from All Avery wants is a normal summer with Key, her now-boyfriend.

The trauma, however, casts a long … Continue reading

Review: Sisters in the Wind by Angeline Boulley

Sisters in the Wind by Angeline Boulley

Sisters in the Wind
Angeline Boulley
Henry Holt & Co.
Published September 2, 2025

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About Sisters in the Wind

From the instant New York Times bestselling author of Firekeeper’s Daughter and Warrior Girl Unearthed comes a daring new mystery about a foster teen claiming her heritage on her own terms.

Ever since Lucy Smith’s father died five years ago, “home” has been more of an idea than a place. She knows being on the run is better than anything waiting for her as a “ward of the state.” But when the sharp-eyed and kind Mr. Jameson with an interest in her case … Continue reading

Review: The Legendary Frybread Drive-In edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Legendary Frybread Drive-In by Cynthia Leitich Smith

The Legendary Frybread Drive-In
Edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith
Heartdrum
Published August 26, 2025

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About The Legendary Frybread Drive-In

Featuring the voices of both new and acclaimed Indigenous writers and edited by bestselling Muscogee author Cynthia Leitich Smith, this collection of interconnected stories serves up laughter, love, Native pride, and the world’s best frybread.

The road to Sandy June’s Legendary Frybread Drive-In slips through every rez and alongside every urban Native hangout. The menu offers a rotating feast, including traditional eats and tasty snacks. But Sandy June’s serves up more than it hosts live music, movie … Continue reading

Review: The Fragments That Remain by Mackenzie Angeconeb

The Fragments That Remain by Mackenzie Angeconeb

The Fragments That Remain
Mackenzie Angeconeb
Cormorant Books
Published March 8, 2025

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About The Fragments That Remain

First-year college student Andy can’t afford to slow down. Study, volunteer, work, make new friends, fall in love ― whatever it takes to keep her from obsessing over her brother Ally’s death, which was ruled suicide by overdose. Navigating a new life chapter without her “honorary twin,” Andy writes letters to him as she strives to embrace her bisexuality and her Indigenous identity. Once she discovers Ally’s hidden poems, Andy pours over them to make sense of her brother’s life ― and his … Continue reading